KATHMANDU – The government has sought a judicial review of the recent Supreme Court’s verdict to provide PCR tests free of cost.
Laxman Aryal, Secretary at the Ministry of Health and Population, filed a petition at the Supreme Court via the Office of Attorney General for a judicial review of last month’s verdict for the government to conduct PCR tests and provide treatment to Covid-19 patients free of cost.
In response to a writ petition filed by advocates Keshar Bahadur KC and Lokendra Oli, the Supreme Court had ordered the government to provide PCR tests and treatment services free of cost on October 1.
However, the government decided to move to the Supreme Court to overturn the verdict. In its petition to seek judicial review, the Health Ministry argued that the decision to charge money for PCR tests was based on the country’s economic situation and assessment of its capacity to bear the costs.
The ministry also stated that the verdict contradicts the court’s previous orders, legal and constitutional provisions of the country. It also said that it is providing free services to the poor and those people who cannot afford the tests and treatment.
